Prescribed burn planned near Davis Lake

On Monday, fuels specialists on the Crescent Ranger District are planning to begin a 188-acre prescribed burn a mile north of Davis Lake near Pine Butte.

The burn is expected to begin around noon and take two days to complete.

Smoke may be visible from Wickiup Lake, Davis Lake, Highway 58 and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Forest Road 46).

Fuels specialists will follow policies outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan, which governs prescribed fires, and attempts to minimize impacts to visibility and public health.

This goal of the project is to restore Ponderosa pine ecosystems to healthier, more resilient natural conditions and reduce ground fuels by 60-70%. The area previously had a timber sale with pre-commercial thinning.

Following the burn, fuels specialists will be mopping-up and working in the area for approximately a week. As with all prescribed fires, signs will be posted on significant nearby Forest roads that could be impacted by smoke.

For more information, visit the Deschutes National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes and follow us on twitter @CentralORFire.